Istanbul at night: Galata Tower and the lights along the water
Guide Turkey → Switzerland · moving · checked 1 Nov 2026

Moving from Turkey to Switzerland

A plain checklist: the visa routes, what to sort before you go, and your first weeks in Switzerland.

Photo: Pexels
First: can you move?

You need a permit to work in Switzerland

Turkey is not in the EU, so working in Switzerland needs a permit; permits for non-EU workers are limited and mostly for skilled jobs, and the employer applies. Within 14 days of arriving you register at your commune. Short visits need a Schengen visa.

Job
WorkA work permit the employer applies for; limited and mostly for skilled jobs.
Uni
StudyA student permit to study in Switzerland.
Fam
FamilyJoining a spouse or family in Switzerland.

Which route fits you: SEM, Switzerland's official migration office. We don't give visa advice.

Before you go

Your checklist in Turkey

  1. Your permit and D visa approved and a valid passport.
  2. Documents in one folder: birth and marriage certificates, diplomas; apostilles and sworn translations.
  3. Money for the start: a deposit (at most 3 months' rent, on a blocked bank account), the first rent and a few weeks of living costs.
  4. German, French or Italian, depending on the region: it helps a lot every day and with officials.
  5. Set up your home TV before you go, so it works on day one (how to watch Turkish TV in Switzerland).
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Day one in Switzerland

Home TV, ready when you land

The first weeks abroad are the hardest. The news from home, your series and the kids' cartoons in Turkish make the new flat feel like home faster.

How to watch Turkish TV in Switzerland →
Advertisement: Turkish channels live with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Your first weeks

Your checklist in Switzerland

  1. Commune registration: within 14 days of arriving; the canton gives you a residence permit (often B).
  2. Health insurance: compulsory; take out basic insurance with an insurer within 3 months.
  3. Bank account: with your residence permit and address.
  4. TV fee: the Serafe fee per household, CHF 335 a year (CHF 312 from 1 January 2027).
  5. Driving: you must swap your Turkish licence for a Swiss one within 12 months; for a Turkish licence this usually means a control drive. Ask your canton's road traffic office about the rules.
Quick answers

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit to work in Switzerland?

Yes. Permits for non-EU workers are limited, and the employer applies.

Do I need a visa to visit Switzerland?

Yes. Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for short visits.

Is health insurance compulsory?

Yes. You must take out basic health insurance within 3 months of arriving.

How big is a rent deposit in Switzerland?

At most 3 months' rent, kept on a blocked bank account in the tenant's name.

Can I watch Turkish TV in Switzerland?

Yes. Our Turkish TV in Switzerland guide shows every option.

More for Turkish people in Switzerland

Guides for you

Turkish TV in SwitzerlandThe Turkish channels live, and how the official options compare.The Turkish community in SwitzerlandHow many, where people live, mosques, Turkish lessons and where people meet online.Moving to SwitzerlandThe visa routes, before you go and your first weeks.
Sources